Light display systems

Abstract

To provide light display systems for amusement park attractions and experiences.SOLUTION: A light display system may display an image to a user and / or an audience using a persistence-of-vision effect. In an embodiment, a light display system includes a light source configured to emit a plurality of light patterns that correspond to a plurality of frames of an image. The light source is configured to sequentially emit the plurality of light patterns based on instructions from a control system such that the plurality of frames are presented in a sequence at a first rate. The light display system also includes an image expander configured to reflect the plurality of light patterns toward a user of a head-mounted device, where at least a part of the image expander is configured to rotate relative to the light source at a second rate that is coordinated with the first rate by the control system to thereby display the image for visualization by the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 026,811, filed May 19, 2020, entitled "LIGHT DISPLAY SYSTEMS AND METHODS," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to light display systems and methods for amusement park attractions and experiences. [Background technology]

[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and claimed below. This disclosure is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that this description is to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0004] Amusement parks often include attractions or experiences that use video and / or still images to entertain and delight. For example, an attraction may include a themed environment established using display devices that display media content (e.g., in the form of video, text, still images, motion graphics, or a combination thereof). In some attractions, it may be desirable to display media content with special visual effects to create a realistic and / or immersive viewing or playing experience for viewers. In one example, such special visual effects may be achieved using virtual reality, augmented reality, and / or mixed reality technology, where the media content is displayed using headsets and / or head-mounted displays to generate images on electronic displays placed in front of the user's eyes. However, displaying media content through augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality headsets may be challenging due to considerations related to cost, complexity, and / or equipment availability, for example. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; rather, these embodiments are intended merely to provide a brief summary of certain disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0006] In one embodiment, the optical display system includes a light source configured to emit a plurality of light patterns corresponding to a plurality of frames of an image. The light source is configured to sequentially emit the plurality of light patterns based on instructions from a control system such that the plurality of frames are presented in sequence at a first rate. The optical display system also includes a head-mounted device including an image expander configured to reflect the plurality of light patterns toward a user of the head-mounted device, at least a portion of the image expander configured to be rotated relative to the light source at a second rate coordinated with the first rate by the control system, thereby displaying the image for visualization by the user.

[0007] In one embodiment, the light display system includes a light source configured to emit a plurality of light patterns corresponding to a plurality of frames of an image. In an embodiment, the light source is configured to sequentially emit the plurality of light patterns based on instructions from a control system such that the plurality of frames are presented sequentially at a first rate. In an embodiment, the system further includes a first reflective surface configured to rotate relative to the light source at a second rate coordinated by the control system with the first rate, thereby displaying the image for visualization by a user. In an embodiment, the system further includes a motor configured to drive the first reflective surface to rotate relative to the light source.

[0008] In one embodiment, the optical display system includes a light source configured to emit multiple light patterns corresponding to multiple frames of an image. In an embodiment, the light source is configured to sequentially emit multiple light patterns for the multiple frames such that the multiple frames are presented in sequence. In an embodiment, the system further includes a reflective surface configured to rotate relative to the light source, thereby displaying an image for visualization by a user based on a persistence of vision effect. In an embodiment, the system further includes a motor configured to drive the reflective surface to rotate relative to the light source. In an embodiment, the system further includes a sensor configured to detect a start light and transmit a first signal in response to detecting the start light. In an embodiment, the first signal indicates operation of the light source to emit multiple light patterns corresponding to the multiple frames. In an embodiment, the system further includes at least one processor communicatively connected to the sensor and the motor. In an embodiment, the system further includes at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium communicatively connected to the at least one processor. In an embodiment, at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform an action including receiving, via a sensor, a first signal; and, in response to receiving the first signal, sending a second signal to a motor to drive the motor to rotate the reflective surface relative to the light source.

[0009] Various refinements of the features described above may be implemented in connection with various aspects of the disclosure, and additional features may be incorporated into these various aspects as well. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination.

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an optical display system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted apparatus for an optical display system, such as the optical display system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic diagram of an optical display system including a head-mounted device such as the head-mounted device of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an optical display system including a light source having a single column of pixels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One or more specific embodiments are described below. In the interest of providing a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of actual implementations are described herein. It should be recognized that, as with any industrial design or engineering project, the development of any such actual implementation will require numerous implementation-specific decisions to be made in order to achieve the developers' particular goals, including compliance with system-related and business-related constraints that may vary from implementation to implementation. It should also be recognized that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but will nevertheless represent a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that specific terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, etc., are used herein, it should be understood that these terms permit certain departures from their strict mathematical definitions to accommodate, for example, deviations related to manufacturing imperfections and associated tolerances.

[0013] When describing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the element. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, references to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0014] As described above, amusement parks often include attractions or experiences that use video and / or still images to entertain and delight park guests. Some attractions may use virtual reality, augmented reality, and / or mixed reality technologies, with media content displayed on electronic displays in headsets and / or head-mounted displays. It is now recognized that other types of visual effects may be useful in displaying media content. For example, persistence of image technology may be useful in displaying media content in a manner that provides guests with a unique viewing experience. Persistence of image may occur when the human mind combines a series of images into a moving image (e.g., due to the human eye retaining images for up to 1 / 16th of a second). In particular, a series of images displayed faster than the human eye can process them results in a convergence of successive images such that the series is observed by guests as a moving image.

[0015] The present disclosure relates generally to optical display systems and methods, and more particularly to an optical display system capable of displaying media content using a persistence of vision effect. The optical display system can be used to display media content for amusement park attractions and experiences. The attractions can include any type of attraction designed to entertain guests, such as an attraction including a ride vehicle that carries one or more guests as it moves along a path, an attraction including a room or stage with one or more fixed or moving seats for one or more guests to sit in while watching a show, etc. The experiences can include any type of experience designed to entertain guests, such as an aerial show (e.g., a fireworks show; an unmanned aerial vehicle show), an in-store billboard, etc. Additionally, although the disclosed embodiments generally describe optical display systems used for entertainment purposes, the disclosed embodiments can also be applied to optical display systems used for any other suitable purposes.

[0016] 1 is a block diagram of an optical display system 100 including a system controller block 102, a display module 110, and a light source 116, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system controller block 102 may control the operation of the display module 110 and / or the light source 116. The system controller block 102 may process data signals obtained from the display module 110 and / or the light source 116. The display module 110 and / or the light source 116 may be connected to the system controller block 102 by any suitable technique, such as wireless, optical, coaxial cable, or other suitable connection, for communicating control and / or data signals between the display module 110 and the system controller block 102 and / or between the light source 116 and the system controller block 102.

[0017] As will be appreciated, the system controller block 102 may include multiple elements, for example, to control the operation of the display module 110, facilitate rotation of the image expander 112 (e.g., via control of a linear expander; motor 114), control the operation of the light source 116, and / or facilitate interpretation of data signals from the light source 116. For example, as shown, the system controller block 102 may include a processor 104, a memory 106, and a sensor 108. In one embodiment, the system controller block 102 may include additional elements not shown in FIG. 1 , such as data acquisition circuitry, additional processing circuitry, a user interface, etc. The sensor 108 may be a light sensor and may detect light emitted from a light source, such as the light source 116. For example, the sensor 108 may detect light in visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, and / or some other suitable portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sensor 108 may transmit a data signal to the processor 104 in response to detecting the light. For example, the data signal may indicate that the light source 116 is initiating a display sequence, as described further herein.

[0018] The light source 116 may be a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a laser diode display, or the like. In one embodiment, the light source 116 may be a light bar formed by a single line of pixels (e.g., a single column or a single row). In one embodiment, more than one line may be used, but fewer than the total number of lines that, when actuated simultaneously, would provide a complete version of the image, as follows: The light source 116 may display a frame (e.g., a slice or portion) of the image at a time. In particular, the light source 116 may display multiple light patterns (e.g., arrangements of illuminated pixels) corresponding to multiple frames of the image in succession and sequential order, such that each frame of the image is displayed left-to-right, right-to-left, top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top, and / or some other suitable order. The light source 116 may provide a limited number of lines of pixels (e.g., only a single line of pixels), but when the frames presented by such an embodiment of the light source 116 are physically arranged in presentation order, the frames will combine to provide a complete version of the image. In one embodiment, the light source 116 may provide multiple light patterns to display all frames of an image within an associated time period and enable a persistence of vision effect. For example, the light source 116 may sequentially display multiple light patterns for all frames of an image in less than one-fifth of a second (e.g., one-tenth of a second, one-sixteenth of a second, etc.). The light source 116 may repeat the display of multiple light patterns for each frame and / or sequence of frames any number of times (e.g., to thereby repeatedly display an image).

[0019] As described in more detail below, the operation of the light source 116 is coordinated with the operation of the display module 110 to enable the user 118 to visualize an image. To facilitate coordination between the light source 116 and the display module 110, in one embodiment, the light source 116 may emit a light pulse (e.g., a start pulse; start light), such as infrared light, that indicates the start of emitting a frame of an image. For example, the light source 116 may emit a light pulse, and the sensor 108 may detect the light pulse. In an embodiment, the sensor 108 may generate and transmit a data signal indicative of the detected light pulse to the processor 104. The processor 104 may then control the display module 110 based on and / or in response to receiving the data signal. The light pulse may be a discrete light, or may correspond to one or more frames of an image to be visualized by the user 118.

[0020] The display module 110 may include an image expander 112 and a motor 114. The image expander 112 may include a reflective surface that can reflect light displayed by the light source 116 toward the user 118. The image expander 112 may reflect and / or display successive portions of an image formed by light emitted from a line of pixels of the light source 116, such as a light bar, as described herein. In one embodiment, the image expander 112 may include a mirror, such as a half-silvered mirror or a fully silvered mirror. In one embodiment, the image expander 112 may include additional components, such as one or more additional reflective surfaces (e.g., prisms) that can reflect light displayed by the light source 116 toward the reflective surface. The reflective surface of the image expander 112 may rotate relative to the light source 116 and the user 118. For example, the reflective surface of the image decompressor 112 can rotate about an axis (e.g., a rotation axis) that is substantially parallel (e.g., equal to or within 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees) to an axis (e.g., a central axis) along the line of pixels of the light source 116. In one embodiment, the reflective surface of the image decompressor 112 can rotate about an axis in the plane of the reflective surface. In one embodiment, the reflective surface can oscillate, for example, between an angle at which the reflective surface is perpendicular to the light source 116 and an angle at which the reflective surface is parallel to the light source 116. Alternatively, the reflective surface can rotate through a full rotation. The reflective surface of the image decompressor 112 can rotate at a speed (e.g., rotations per unit time) related to (e.g., coordinated with; based on) the rate at which the light source 116 displays frames of images (e.g., frames per unit time). In one embodiment, the reflective surface can rotate at a constant speed. Alternatively, the rotation speed of the reflective surface can vary depending on the changing frame display rate of the light source 116. As the reflective surface of the image expander 112 rotates, the light source 116 may sequentially display frames of an image (e.g., one frame at a time), and the reflective surface may reflect the frames toward the user 118. As the angle of the reflective surface changes relative to the light source 116 and the user 118, each successive frame displayed by the light source 116 may appear adjacent to the previous frame in the field of view of the user 118.In this way, the reflective surface can stretch the image through a persistence of vision effect, making the entire image appear to be displayed to the user 118 (e.g., the user 118 can visualize the entire image as if the entire image were presented and displayed at the location of the light source 116 at once).

[0021] In one embodiment, the light source 116 can be or illuminate a single point of light, such as a single light bulb, a single LED, a single laser diode, or the like. In one embodiment, the light source 116 can continuously display multiple light patterns (e.g., a series of illuminated pixels) corresponding to multiple frames of an image. In one embodiment, the image expander 112 can include two or more reflective surfaces that can reflect light corresponding to frames of an image toward the user 118. A first reflective surface can rotate in a first direction about a first axis to reflect light corresponding to a first set of frames of an image displayed by the light source 116 (e.g., to derive light from a single point of light for visualization by the user 118), and a second reflective surface can rotate in a second direction about a second axis to reflect light corresponding to a second set of frames of an image displayed by the light source 116 (e.g., to derive light from a single point of light for visualization by the user 118). For example, a first reflective surface may rotate in a first direction to reflect light corresponding to a first set of frames of images in left-to-right order, and a second reflective surface may rotate in a second direction to reflect light corresponding to a second set of frames of images in top-to-bottom order. In this manner, each successive frame of the first set of frames may appear adjacent to the previous frame of the first set of frames in the field of view of the user 118, and each successive frame of the second set of frames may appear adjacent to the previous frame of the second set of frames in the field of view of the user 118.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, the image expander 112 can include a two-axis reflector. The two-axis reflector can reflect light corresponding to frames of images toward the user 118. The reflective surface of the two-axis reflector can rotate in a first direction about a first axis corresponding to a first set of frames of images displayed by the light source 116 (e.g., to derive light from a single point of light for visualization by the user 118), and then rotate in a second direction about a second axis corresponding to a second set of frames of images displayed by the light source 116 (e.g., to derive light from a single point of light for visualization by the user 118). For example, the reflective surface of the two-axis reflector can rotate in a first direction to reflect light corresponding to the first set of frames of images from left to right, and then rotate in a second direction to reflect light corresponding to the second set of frames of images from top to bottom. Thus, a single point of light may be illuminated at a first time and brought out to the user 118 by rotation of the reflective surface about a first axis, and a single point of light may be illuminated at a second time and brought out to the user 118 by rotation of the reflective surface about a second axis, and so on until the image is complete. In this manner, the single point of light may be brought out for visualization by the user 118 (e.g., to provide the illusion that the image is fully displayed and extending along the x and y axes at the location of the single point of light).

[0023] The motor 114 can move components of the image expander 112, such as rotating a reflective surface of the image expander 112 relative to the light source 116. The motor 114 can be communicatively connected to the system controller block 102 by any suitable technique for communicating data and / or control signals between the processor 104 and the motor 114, thereby enabling the processor 104 to control the operation of the motor 114. In one embodiment, the processor 104 can generate and send a control signal to the motor 114 to initiate rotation of the reflective surface of the image expander 112. For example, the processor 104 can generate and send a signal in response to receiving a data signal from the sensor 108 indicating that the sensor 108 has detected a light pulse from the light source 116. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 104 can generate and send control signals to both the motor 114 and the light source 116 to initiate operation (e.g., in a coordinated manner; in a timed manner). In one embodiment, the processor 104 can generate and send control signals to the light source 116 for operation (e.g., to request a new frame), for example, in response to receiving a signal from the display module 110 indicating that the motor 114 is operational (e.g., turned on; receiving power), in response to receiving a signal indicating show timing, in response to receiving a signal indicating that the image expander 112 is reset, and / or in response to input from a user (e.g., via a user interface that may be associated with the display module 110 or that may be within an attraction that uses the light display system 100) indicating that the image is ready for viewing.

[0024] The image expander 112 may include any of a variety of configurations that enable the image expander 112 to make an image available for visualization by the user 118. For example, additionally or alternatively, the image expander 112 may include a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) that includes any number of micro-mirrors arranged in an array, which can be controlled (e.g., rotated relative to the light source 116) to display multiple light patterns corresponding to frames in a manner described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the image expander 112 may include a reflective configuration (e.g., a mirror and prism configuration) for each eye of the user 118.

[0025] The system controller block 102 may be provided in the form of a computing device, such as a personal computer, laptop, tablet, mobile device, server, or any other suitable computing device. The system controller block 102 may be a control system having multiple controllers, each having at least one processor 104 and memory 106. As such, the processor 104 may include one or more general-purpose microprocessors, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or one or more field-programmable logic arrays (FPGAs). The processor 104 may include receiving and converting circuits. In one embodiment, the processor 104 may control the operation of the light source 116, and the processor 104 (e.g., the same or a different processor in at least one processor 104 of the system controller block 102) may receive sensor data (e.g., data signals) from the sensor 108 and / or control the operation of the motor 114. For example, the processor 104 may generate and send (e.g., via wired or wireless communication; via an antenna) a control signal to the light source 116 to initiate the display of a frame of an image. In one embodiment, the control signal may indicate which image to display and / or the rate at which frames of the image are presented. Additionally or alternatively, a processor 104 (e.g., the same or a different processor in at least one processor 104 in the system controller block 102) may generate and send a control signal to a motor 114 to initiate rotation of a reflective surface of the image expander 112 (e.g., in a manner coordinated with the display of frames by the light source 116 so that the image may be visualized by the user 118). Thus, the one or more processors 104 may control the operation of the light source 116 and / or the motor 114 to display an image to the user 118.

[0026] In one embodiment, the processor 104 can generate and transmit control signals to the user 118 and / or other light sources in the vicinity of the light source 116. The control signals can turn off the other light sources and / or the control signals can dim or change the characteristics (e.g., color, brightness) of the other light sources. For example, the control signals can be transmitted in response to receiving a data signal from the sensor 108 associated with the light source 116 initiating a display sequence. Additionally or alternatively, in response to the processor 104 generating and / or transmitting a control signal for the light source 116 to initiate a display sequence, the processor 104 can generate and / or transmit a control signal to turn off the other light sources. Additionally or alternatively, the light source 116 can generate and / or transmit a control signal to the user 118 and / or other light sources in the vicinity of the light source 116 (e.g., upon initiating a display sequence; based on the color emitted during the display sequence). Such a feature can prevent the image expander 112 from altering (e.g., subtracting) the light emitted by the other light sources, which could interfere with the user 118's enjoyment and visualization of the image.

[0027] The processor 104 may be communicatively coupled to the memory 106. In one embodiment, the memory 106 may store a set of images selected for display to the user 118 via the cooperative operation of the display module 110 and the light source 116. In one embodiment, the memory 106 may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer-readable media that store instructions executable by the processor 104 and / or data processed by the processor 104. For example, the memory 106 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rewritable non-volatile memory such as flash memory, a hard drive, an optical disk, and / or the like.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the optical display system 100 may be incorporated into a device, such as a head-mounted device, a wearable device, a handheld device, and / or some other suitable device. A head-mounted device may be a device worn on the head of the user 118 and may include at least a portion in front of either one or both of the user's eyes. A wearable device may be a device worn by or attached to the user 118, clothing worn by the user 118, integrated into clothing worn by the user 118, or attached to or integrated into a hat or other wearable item worn by the user 118. In one embodiment, a wearable device may be a device sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to be worn on the wrist or other part of the arm (e.g., a bracelet). A handheld device may be held or carried by the user 118 (e.g., by the user's 118's hand). For example, the display module 110 may be configured as a head-mounted device, a wearable device, or a handheld device. With respect to a handheld device, the user 118 may lift the handheld device and position it between the user 118 and the light source 116 to reflect light from the light source 116 into the user's 118's eyes so that the user 118 can visualize the image. It should also be understood that the light source 116 may be incorporated into such a device or as part of some other suitable object. For example, the light source 116 may be coupled to or suspended from a building, worn by an animated character, and / or coupled to or suspended from a drone (e.g., unmanned aerial vehicle) configured to fly and / or hover in the air.

[0029] With the above in mind, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a head-mounted device 200 for an optical display system, such as optical display system 100 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Head-mounted device 200 may include a frame 202, a pair of lenses 204, and an image expander 205 including a plurality of reflective surfaces, such as a reflective surface 206 and / or prisms 208. Head-mounted device 200 may be worn by a user, such as user 118 of FIG. 1 , by placing frame 202 around the user's head and wearing head-mounted device 200 in a manner similar to wearing eyeglasses. In one embodiment, head-mounted device 200 may be eyeglasses. In one embodiment, each lens of pair of lenses 204 may include a separate image expander, such as image expander 112 of FIG. 1 . Each of the separate image expanders may include a reflective surface 206, which may rotate relative to a light source, which may be light source 116 of FIG. 1 . Each reflective surface 206 can reflect light from a light source 116 and / or a prism 208 .

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the reflective surface 206 can rotate relative to the prism 208 and the light source 116. In an embodiment, the reflective surface 206 can be a mirror, such as a half-silvered mirror or a fully silvered mirror. Alternatively, the reflective surface 206 can be any number of micromirrors as part of an optical MEMS (e.g., digital light processing (DLP) technology). When a user wearing the head-mounted device 200 looks toward the light source 116, the light source 116 can emit light in the direction of arrow 210. The prism 208 can reflect light in the direction of arrow 212 toward the reflective surface 206. The reflective surface 206 can reflect light in the direction of arrow 214 toward the pupil of the user wearing the head-mounted device 200.

[0031] The reflective surface 206 can be rotated by a motor, such as the motor 114 of FIG. 1 , controlled by the processor 104 of FIG. 1 to maintain a rotational speed related to (e.g., coordinated with) the rate at which the light source 116 displays frames of an image. Specifically, the processor 104 can send a control signal to the motor 114 in response to receiving a signal from the sensor 108 related to the detection of an initial light sequence emitted by the light source 116. The reflective surface 206 can rotate about an axis of rotation 216 within the plane of the reflective surface 206. As the reflective surface 206 rotates, the light source 116 can sequentially display multiple light patterns corresponding to frames of an image, and the reflective surface 206 and the prism 208 can reflect the multiple light patterns corresponding to the frames toward the user's eyes. As the angle of the reflective surface 206 relative to the light source 116 changes, each successive frame displayed by the light source 116 can appear adjacent to the previous frame in the user's field of view. In this manner, the reflective surface 206 can stretch the image through a persistence of vision effect, making the entire image appear to the user to be displayed. In one embodiment, the reflective surface 206 can be adjusted by a motor, such as motor 114 of FIG. 1, which can be controlled by processor 104 of FIG. 1 to maintain a desired orientation of the reflective surface 206 relative to the light source 116. Specifically, processor 104 can send control signals to motor 114 in response to sensors that detect that the head-mounted device 200 is rotating and / or tilting relative to the light source 116 (e.g., due to movement of user 118). In one embodiment, the sensors can include accelerometers and / or gyroscopes (e.g., that are part of the head-mounted display) that move with the image expander 112 and are configured to determine the orientation of the reflective surface 206 relative to the light source 116.

[0032] It should be appreciated that multiple users wearing respective head-mounted devices 200 can simultaneously view the image. For example, a system controller can control multiple head-mounted devices 200 in conjunction with light sources 116 to enable multiple users to simultaneously view the image. In one embodiment, the system controller can receive input indicating the positions of the users and their respective head-mounted devices 200 (e.g., via position sensors; e.g., via radio frequency identification (RFID) via RFID tags on the head-mounted devices 200 and RFID readers communicatively connected to the system controller). In such a case, the system controller can control reflective surface 206 and / or light sources 116 based on the positions of the users and their respective head-mounted devices 200 to accurately reflect frames of the image toward the users' eyes. If multiple users, each wearing a respective head-mounted device 200, are present to view the images (e.g., multiple users are part of a show's audience), the system controller can control the respective reflective surfaces 206 of each head-mounted device 200 based on the respective positions of the respective head-mounted devices 200, or the system controller can control the respective reflective surfaces 206 of each head-mounted device 200 in the same manner (e.g., moving together at the same speed and through the same angle). Furthermore, the light source 116 can be configured to emit light in a manner that allows the display of different images depending on the viewpoint that a user directs toward the light source 116. For example, a first user facing the front of the light source 116 can see an image of the front of a character, while a second user facing the back of the light source 116 can see an image of the back of the same character.

[0033] It should be understood that the light source 116 is located at a desired distance from the user and / or audience. Thus, the user can focus on the light source 116 instead of focusing on the display of the virtual reality, mixed reality, or augmented reality headset. In one embodiment, the light source 116 can emit light at a specific wavelength and / or wavelength range. The head-mounted device 200 can include filters, such as bandpass filters, to pass specific wavelengths and / or wavelength ranges and block other wavelengths and / or wavelength ranges. As a result, the filters can reduce interference from other light sources in the vicinity of the user and / or audience. For example, in a blue-lit scene, the light source 116 can emit red light, and the head-mounted device 200 can include filters to pass the red light (e.g., to one or both eyes of the user). More elaborate filter configurations can be provided, such as for smaller wavelength ranges and / or different filters for each user's eye.

[0034] With the above in mind, FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an optical display system 300, such as the optical display system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical display system 300 includes a light source, which may be the light source 116 of FIG. 1, and a reflective surface 304. The optical display system 300 may differ from the optical display system including the head-mounted device 200 of FIG. 2 by positioning the reflective surface further away from a user (e.g., a viewer of the image) than the optical display system of FIG. 2, such that the reflective surface is outside the head-mounted device. In this manner, one or more users 308 may view images displayed by the optical display system 300 without wearing a head-mounted device. The reflective surface 304 may be configured to rotate relative to the light source 116. The reflective surface 304 may be a mirror, such as a half-silvered mirror or a fully silvered mirror. The light source 116 may emit light toward the reflective surface 304 in the direction of arrow 302. The reflective surface 304 may reflect light toward one or more users 308 (e.g., an audience) in the direction of arrow 306. The reflective surface 304 can rotate at a speed related to (e.g., coordinated with) the rate at which the light source 116 displays frames of an image. As the reflective surface 304 rotates, the light source 116 can sequentially display frames of an image, and the reflective surface 304 can reflect the frames toward one or more users 308. As the angle of the reflective surface 304 changes relative to the light source 116, each successive frame displayed by the light source 116 can appear adjacent to the previous frame in the field of view of the one or more users 308. In this manner, the reflective surface 304 can stretch the image through a persistence of vision effect, causing the entire image to appear to be displayed to the one or more users 308. Furthermore, the optical display system 300 can include additional components, such as one or more additional reflective surfaces (e.g., prisms) for reflecting light from the light source 116 toward the reflective surface 304 and / or for reflecting light from the reflective surface 304 toward the one or more users 308.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a light display system 400 including a light source 402 having only a single column of pixels 404 controlled to display one frame of an image at a time (e.g., frame 408, frame 410; a light pattern corresponding to one frame). In one embodiment, the light source 402 can be similar to the light source 116 of FIG. 1 and can be operated to emit light to provide any number of frames associated with an image. For example, each frame can correspond to a single column of pixels emitted by the light source 402 at a given instant in time. Multiple frames of an image (e.g., frames 408, 410) can be generated and emitted in rapid succession by the light source 402. The reflective surface 412 can rotate relative to the light source 402, such as by rotating about an axis of rotation 414. The axis of rotation 414 can be substantially parallel (e.g., equal to or within 5 degrees, 10 degrees, or 15 degrees) to a longitudinal axis 416 (e.g., a central axis) of the light source 402. The longitudinal axis 416 can be aligned with a column (or otherwise limited collection of pixels) of the pixels 404 of the light source 402. As the reflective surface 412 rotates relative to the light source 402, the light source 402 emits a light pattern corresponding to successive frames (e.g., frames 408, 410), which is reflected from the reflective surface 412 toward any number of users (e.g., a single user or a group of users wearing head-mounted devices in an audience). In this manner, the reflective surface 412 can display successive frames of an image adjacent to one another, and can display an entire image consisting of any number of frames that can be visualized by a user. Thus, the optical display system 400 can create the illusion to a user that the image 406 is displayed at the position of the light source 402 (e.g., the entire image 406 at once). The coordinated display of multiple frames 408, 410 of an image and the movement of an image expander (e.g., the reflective surface 412) described above allows the user to visualize the image.

[0036] It should be understood that any of the features shown and described with respect to Figures 1 through 4 can be combined in any suitable manner to display an image to one or more users. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are illustrative and that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms. It should be understood that the claims are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the disclosed system can reduce the size of the display (e.g., a single vertical or horizontal row of pixels instead of multiple vertical and multiple horizontal rows of pixels), which can result in cost and / or space savings. Additionally, the disclosed system can utilize persistence of light effects without physically moving the light source (e.g., without rotating or rapidly moving the light source to create the persistence of light effect), which can result in further cost and / or space savings and / or easier operation.

[0037] The technology shown and claimed herein refers to and applies to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that will materially improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Furthermore, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," such elements are to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). Conversely, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not to be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 100 Optical Display System 102 System Controller Block 104 processors 106 memory 108 Sensors 110 Display Module 112 Image Expander 114 Motor 116 Light source 118 users

Claims

1. 1. An optical display system, comprising: a light source configured to emit a plurality of light patterns corresponding to a plurality of frames of an image, the light source configured to sequentially emit the plurality of light patterns based on instructions from a control system such that the plurality of frames are presented in sequence at a first rate; A head-mounted device; Equipped with The head-mounted device an image expander configured to reflect the plurality of light patterns toward a user of the head-mounted device; at least a portion of the image expander is configured to be rotated relative to the light source at a second speed coordinated with the first speed by the control system, thereby displaying the image for visualization by the user. Optical display system.

2. 2. The optical display system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the image expander comprises a first reflective surface configured to reflect at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source toward the user of the head-mounted device, the first reflective surface configured to rotate at the second speed relative to the light source.

3. 3. The optical display system of claim 2, wherein the image expander comprises a second reflective surface configured to reflect at least a portion of the light toward the first reflective surface.

4. The optical display system of claim 3 , wherein the first reflective surface is configured to rotate relative to the second reflective surface.

5. The optical display system of claim 1 , wherein the light source is configured to emit the plurality of light patterns corresponding to all of the plurality of frames of the image within 1 / 16th of a second.

6. 10. The optical display system of claim 1, wherein each frame of the plurality of frames of the image corresponds to a single column of pixels associated with the image.

7. The optical display system of claim 1 , comprising a motor configured to drive a portion of the image expander to rotate relative to the light source.

8. 1. An optical display system, comprising: a light source configured to emit a plurality of light patterns corresponding to a plurality of frames of an image, the light source configured to sequentially emit the plurality of light patterns based on instructions from a control system such that the plurality of frames are presented in sequence at a first rate; a first reflective surface configured to rotate relative to the light source at a second speed coordinated with the first speed by the control system, thereby displaying the image for visualization by a user; a motor controlled by the control system and configured to drive the first reflective surface to rotate relative to the light source; Equipped with Optical display system.

9. 9. The optical display system of claim 8, further comprising: a second reflective surface configured to rotate relative to the light source at the second speed, the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface being supported in a head-mounted device configured to be worn by the user, the first reflective surface being configured to align with a first portion of the plurality of light patterns to reflect the first portion of the plurality of light patterns toward a first eye of the user, and the second reflective surface being configured to align with a second portion of the plurality of light patterns to reflect the second portion of the plurality of light patterns toward a second eye of the user.

10. 10. The optical display system of claim 9, further comprising a third reflective surface supported within the head-mounted device, the third reflective surface configured to reflect at least a first portion of the plurality of light patterns toward the first reflective surface and to reflect at least a second portion of the plurality of light patterns toward the second reflective surface.

11. The optical display system of claim 10 , wherein the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are configured to rotate relative to the third reflective surface.

12. 9. The optical display system of claim 8, further comprising a sensor configured to detect starting light emitted by the light source, the sensor configured to send a signal to the control system in response to detecting the starting light.

13. The optical display system of claim 12 , wherein the sensor is configured to sense infrared light and the light source is configured to emit the initiation light as infrared light.

14. 9. The optical display system of claim 8, wherein the first reflective surface is a half-silvered mirror.

15. 1. An optical display system, comprising: a light source configured to emit a plurality of light patterns corresponding to a plurality of frames of an image, the light source configured to emit the plurality of light patterns for the plurality of frames sequentially such that the plurality of frames are presented in sequence; a reflective surface configured to rotate relative to the light source to thereby display the image for visualization by a user; a motor configured to drive the reflective surface to rotate relative to the light source; a sensor configured to detect a starting light and to transmit a first signal in response to detecting the starting light, the first signal indicative of operation of the light source to emit the plurality of light patterns corresponding to the plurality of frames; at least one processor communicatively connected to the sensor and the motor; at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium communicatively coupled to the at least one processor; Equipped with When executed, the at least one processor causes the processor to: receiving the first signal via the sensor; in response to receiving the first signal, sending a second signal to the motor to cause the motor to drive the reflective surface to rotate relative to the light source; storing instructions to cause the device to perform operations including: Optical display system.

16. 16. The optical display system of claim 15, wherein the light source is configured to emit the plurality of light patterns for the plurality of frames such that the plurality of frames are presented sequentially at a first speed, the first signal indicating the first speed, and the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to perform an action including sending the second signal to the motor to drive the reflective surface to rotate the reflective surface relative to the light source at a second speed based on the first speed.

17. 16. The optical display system according to claim 15, wherein the light source is a light bar formed of a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged in a line.

18. 16. The optical display system of claim 15, wherein the reflective surface is supported in a head-mounted device configured to be worn by the user.

19. 16. The optical display system of claim 15, wherein the light source is configured to emit additional light patterns corresponding to each of a plurality of frames of the second image, and the light source is configured to emit the additional light patterns for each of the plurality of frames of the second image so that each of the plurality of frames is presented in a respective order.

20. 16. The optical display system of claim 15, wherein the light source is configured to emit the plurality of light patterns corresponding to the plurality of frames of the image in a repeating manner, thereby repeatedly displaying the image for visualization by the user.

Images